Re: biking across Canada.. solo?

Hey Brian,
Good point about the guerrilla camping. I'll check out that website for
sure..
I recently read a book called "timbit nation" about a journalist hitchiking
across Canada, and he describes NB and NS as being as you said.. I'm much
looking forward to it. He also describes a lot of abandoned farm houses and
barns (which I may stay in 🙂

As for the journal, part of the reason I'm so disappointed with my friends
not going is that I've purchased a bunch of audio video gear to bring on the
trip to document it. The plan is to keep a video journal of the ride and
edit it down into a full length movie and stick it on the internet.

Mike
http://mikebeauchamp.com

"Brian Huntley" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I'd say it's actually easier to guerrilla camp solo - you're less
obvious when you're alone. Just don't buy a bright pink tent.

If you want to read a *lot* of inspirational bike trip journals, try
www.crazyguyonabike.com - there's about 475 tour journals there (and
counting.)

While I've yet to go trans-Canada, I've done solo tours of about a
week's duration each summer for the last several years. There are
places in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick where you won't see a car for
half a day. Heck, even in Ontario, hours can go by. Out there by
yourself, it's wonderful. But when I broke a derailleur in NB, I
eventually got a ride, and I have to say that was one of the most
interesting days I've spent on a bike (and in a pickup) so far.
So go for it, and keep a journal.

In article <[email hidden]>,

Brian Huntley said:

I'd say it's actually easier to guerrilla camp solo - you're less
obvious when you're alone. Just don't buy a bright pink tent.

Agreed. Although I prefer it be called 'free' camping--less
confrontational ;-). Last summer, this was the accommodation of choice
in Vermont, NY state, New Hampshire and Maine. It's GREAT on the
pocketbook.

Locals are a valuable resource in scouting (illegal/unregulated)
camping areas. Whenever conversing with folks on the scene, I make it a
point to slip in a casual query about possible campsites. Frequently
they are more than obliging in offering directions to (if not prime,
then definitely serviceable) sites.

Also, I don't hesitate to ask a farmer or land owner if I can camp on
his land if the locale is particularly appealing or night is
approaching. Courtesy and due respect serves a traveller well in this
regard.

But free camping is not always the best option: for instance, extra
diligence is required where it concerns food and water: you cannot rely
on their being obtained near an improvised campsite; and the nature of
some sites are not compatible with camp fires; etc...

luke